David and Carol Howard retired from the Chequers in Hainford, near Norwich, in 2010.

The pub was taken over by Raghu Kodak Andala, but it closed earlier this year.

Mrs Howard said the pub’s owner, Enterprise Inns asked them if they could return to take it on.

She said: “David and I used to run the Chequers for about 20 years.

“It was a very popular place back then. Unfortunately, it closed in February and we were asked to come back,”

The Stratton Road pub is being refurbished in time for its relaunch on June 27.

Mrs Howard added: “We did miss it, especially all the hustle and bustle of running a pub. And since it closed, people have been stopping us in the street and asking why we don’t go back to it.

“We are looking forward to seeing it back to how it used to be.”

The pub’s rebirth has been welcomed by people in the village.

Karen Medler, Hainford parish council clerk, said: “It was a shame it closed and it’s really good to see it’s about to reopen.

“The pub used to be a good central meeting place for the community, and I’m looking forward to visiting it again.”

The pub, which is just off the main A140 Norwich to Cromer road, has a long history. It dates back at least to the 18th century and was destroyed by fire on December 1, 1987. It was rebuilt, including the thatched roof.

Have you just taken over a Norfolk pub? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk